Brussels,

Roads

MOBILITY & TRANSPORT

Road Safety

Road safety is a priority in EU transport strategy, focusing on reducing traffic accidents and fatalities.

​The EU has set ambitious targets to significantly lower the number of road casualties. Measures include enforcing traffic regulations, improving vehicle safety through technological innovations, and raising public awareness about road safety practices. Infrastructure development, such as safer road designs and better pedestrian and cyclist facilities, is also part of the initiative. The strategy aims to move towards a "Vision Zero" policy, aspiring to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.
Safety Policy
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Safety in Member States and Drive License
European Road Safety Observatory
Road Rules on Safety in Member States
Tachograph
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Parking Area

The EU recognizes the importance of sufficient, safe, and secure parking areas along its road transport network, primarily to allow drivers the necessary rest and to secure their cargo. While the responsibility for these parking areas primarily lies with the Member States, the European Commission has actively supported and coordinated efforts to enhance their quantity and quality, in response to the growing demands of transport.

Several initiatives and regulatory frameworks have been established to this end:
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  1. Study on Safe and Secure Parking Places for Trucks: The European Commission conducted this study to assess the required number of parking places, pinpoint their needed locations, and propose the EU-Parking standard, a new benchmark for parking quality.
  2. Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013: This regulation sets guidelines for the trans-European transport network, stipulating that every 100 km of the core network should have parking areas that allow Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers to comply with mandatory rest times and benefit from safe and secure parking conditions.
  3. Directive 2008/96/EC: Recognizing the importance of safe rest areas in crime prevention and road safety, this directive ensures that new road sections include adequate and safe parking areas, as verified through road safety impact assessments and audits.
  4. Directive 2010/40/EU and Regulation 885/2013: These legal frameworks mandate the provision of information and reservation services for safe and secure parking places for trucks and commercial vehicles, known as Intelligent Truck Parking.

​Through these measures, the EU aims to enhance the road transport infrastructure, making it safer and more efficient for freight and logistics operations across the member states

Road Charging (tolls & vignettes)

The EU's strategy on road charging, guided by Directive 1999/62/EC and its subsequent updates, is fundamental in financing the maintenance and development of Europe's road infrastructure while adhering to principles of fairness and sustainability. Here's a summary of the key aspects:
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  1. Taxation and Infrastructure Charging Framework: The EU encourages Member States to utilize taxation and infrastructure charging effectively, aligning with the 'user pays' and ‘polluter pays’ principles. This approach aims to manage congestion, reduce pollution, and support the decarbonization of road transport in line with the Paris Agreement​​.
  2. Vehicle Taxation: The Directive harmonizes the annual heavy-goods vehicle taxes among Member States by providing minimum rates, calculated based on the vehicle's axle number, configuration, and gross laden weight. The exact structure and collection procedures are managed by national authorities​​.
  3. Tolls and Vignettes: Common rules are set for distance-based (tolls) and time-based (vignettes) user charges. These charges contribute to recovering the costs of constructing, operating, and developing infrastructure. The directive ensures that tolls are proportional to the distance traveled and vehicle type, while vignettes are scaled according to usage duration. Importantly, from 2024, tolls and vignettes for heavy-duty vehicles will vary based on CO2 emissions, encouraging the adoption of cleaner vehicles​​.
  4. Non-Discrimination and Efficient Collection: The Directive mandates that national tolls and vignettes must not discriminate against international traffic. Charging schemes should minimize hindrance to traffic flow and, where viable, use electronic systems for collection to avoid checks at EU internal borders​​.
  5. Reinvestment of Revenues: Revenues from mark-ups and congestion charges are earmarked for reinvestment in the transport sector, particularly to develop the trans-European network. This ensures that the funds collected contribute to enhancing and expanding the transport infrastructure​​.

​Through these measures, the EU aims to create a sustainable and efficient road transport system, balancing the needs for infrastructure development with environmental and social responsibilities
Legislation

  • Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1999 on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures